Gerber09 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 CINCINNATI -- Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was hired Tuesday for the same role with the Cincinnati Bengals, who have been dragged down by their defense for years.The 51-year-old Zimmer was available because of the Falcons' uncertainty over their next head coach. The Falcons hired Tom Dimitroff as general manager on Sunday, and are still looking for a coach to replace Bobby Petrino, who quit after 13 games.Their assistant coaches were free to look for other jobs. The Bengals were looking for help.Zimmer becomes the third defensive coordinator under Marvin Lewis, who has led the Bengals to the playoffs once during his five seasons as head coach. Poor defense has been a constant thread."Mike has coordinated defenses at a high level in the NFL for a number of years, and this is obviously a very important hire for me and for our organization," Lewis said in a statement.The Bengals planned to introduce Zimmer at a news conference Wednesday.Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was fired after Lewis' second season. Chuck Bresnahan replaced him for the past three seasons, but failed to improve a unit that has regularly ranked in the bottom third of the league.Zimmer was the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator for seven seasons before moving to the Falcons last year. The Cowboys' defense gave up the fewest yards in the league in 2003.Atlanta finished 29th in yards allowed and gave up 414 points, fourth-most in the NFL, amid the turmoil of Petrino's departure. Atlanta gave up 34, 37, 30 and 41 points in its last four games.The Bengals were 27th in yards allowed and gave up 385 points, prompting them to fire Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley following a 7-9 finish.Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pick_6 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I think he made the right move. With a new coach coming to town I'm not sure he would have stayed anyways. Good bye and good luck Zimmer! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Matt Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Wonder if Hue Jackson will follow him back there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brutha Mike Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Good for Zimmer. Shame what Petrino did to him and the other guys. I wish him the best of luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GEORGIAfan Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 now they will have a great D, and with their already good offense. i could see them going deep into the playoffs next year.i wish he was our HC. he could have built an Elite D, and if hue jackson lead the offense to atleast above average we would be in the SB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norwood32 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I wish him the best luck. He is an excellent coach and i would have liked for him to remain with us, but business is business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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